Philippe Coutinho injury casts shadow over Liverpool victory

The Brazilian worldwide suffered the knock after a strong challenge from Sunderland man Didier Ndong, and was stretchered off at Anfield visibly in real pain.

It looked as though it was going to be a point dropped for Jurgen Klopp’s men after they struggled to break the Black Cats down and they lost Philippe Coutinho to a foot injury in the first half.

The start to the second period was similar to the ending of the first, with the game taking on the appearance of a defence versus attack exercise, Sunderland struggling to get out of their own half.

But Coutinho is trying to remain positive, sending an Instagram message to his followers to appreciate their support.

“I’m quite an optimistic guy, so I hope he can train tomorrow”.

– Five of Divock Origi’s six Premier League goals for Liverpool have come as a substitute. [Striker Victor] Anichebe played as a left full-back and so they had one striker and nine defenders, if you want.

Divock Origi gave the hosts the lead, which was followed up by a James Milner penalty in stoppage-time which sealed all three points.

Sunderland boss David Moyes made no apologies for his side’s defensive performance against Liverpool at Anfield.

“In the first moment it was very painful but at half time he said it was better”.

“The manager said before the game we had to stay patient”.

“Sometimes it can happen that you don’t play in the moment but I always believed in my qualities and so did the club, so did the supporters, so did the manager”.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: “Everyone was getting frustrated, the crowd as well, and you don’t blame them when teams come and sit back”.

We’ll have to wait and see how long the Brazilian playmaker is ruled out for but with key league games against Bournemouth, West Ham, Middlesbrough, Everton, Stoke and Manchester City coming up in December, Liverpool will be praying for positive news.

“The size of the club puts no pressure on me”, he said.

“I have played with players over the years who actually don’t mind sitting on the bench but I certainly don’t think Sturridge is like that at all”, he added.

“Leeds hopefully seem to be a bit more stable under Garry Monk, who I think is doing a great job”.